O Canada

Death sought last week a kindly and distinguished Canadian, just turned three score and ten, vacationing at Cedarhurst, his rustic estate on Lake Memphremagog, Quebec. Robert Stanley Weir, for 16 years Recorder of Montreal (1899-1915) was mourned by Canadians last week not because of his lifetime of public service and distinguished legal reputation but as the author of O Canada, the Canadian national song. Strictly speaking, Jurist Weir did not "write" O Canada but paraphrased and extensively altered into English an earlier version in French by Judge Routhier. The present version, chanted by Canadians on public occasions, is almost unknown in the U. S.

O Canada, our home and native land, True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The true north, strong and free, And stand on guard, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee. CHORUS O Canada, glorious and free, We stand on guard, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, where pines and maples grow, Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow, How dear to us the broad domain, From east, to western sea. Thou land of hope for all who toil Thou true north, strong and free. O Canada, beneath thy shining skies May stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise, To keep thee steadfast through the years From east to western sea, Our Fatherland, our Motherland, Our true north, strong and free.-- Chorus. Ruler Supreme, who hearest humble prayer Take us and all men in thy loving care, Help us to find, O God, in Thee, Our certain rich reward; As waiting for the better day We ever stand on guard.--Chorus.